NFL Training Camp News

Denver Broncos: Broncos running back Jamaal Charles not to suit up vs. Chicago on Thursday | August 9th, 2017

Denver Broncos head coach Vance Joseph announced on Tuesday that Jamaal Charles will not be gearing up to play on Thursday preseason game against Chicago. Over the past day, the game day decision for Charles has been up in the air from he will play to now being confirmed he will not play. The decision to not play Charles could possibly be more of a health concern for the Broncos. Expect Jamaal Charles to more than likely have a better chance to get reps in week 2 of the preseason against San Francisco.

According to First Coast News reporter Mike Kaye, he predicts that Jaguars running back Chris Ivory will be used in short yardage situations to open up the 2017 season. This offseason, the Jaguars bolstered their running back core by drafting LSU’s Leonard Fournette to become the team’s new franchise running back. The only thing is, the Jaguars are still with Chris Ivory and his lucrative contract. The Jaguars are at a stall where they have Ivory, Fournette, and Yeldon all positioned as co-starters on the team’s depth chart. The running back battle mainly between Ivory and Fournette is something to watch as the preseason rolls on this week and during the month of August.

The Los Angeles Chargers can’t just catch a break when it comes to their 2017 NFL Draft class. The Chargers are on the brink of possibly losing Mike Williams for the season due to a back injury and now it’s been confirmed that Forrest Lamp, Chargers 2nd rounder is done for the year. The loss of Lamp for the year is upsetting but it is sounding like the Chargers are prepared to have Matt Slauson move to guard with Spencer Pulley as their starter for the year.

This afternoon at Texans practice, Will Fuller sustained a broken collarbone and will cost him the first month or two of the season. After getting the diagnosis of the broken collarbone, Will Fuller will immediately undergo surgery which will force the Texans to place him on the PUP list to start the season. With Will Fuller set to be out the first couple of months of the season Jalen Strong and Braxton Miller will both have bigger roles in the Texans offense.

Five days after being signed by the New Orleans Saints, the team announced that they have released 29-year old lineman Orlando Franklin. This offseason, Orlando Franklin was released by the Los Angeles Chargers on May 15th and generated a small amount of interest on the free agent market. This releasing is out of left field and nothing noting as to why he was released was given to the press. Orlando Franklin will look to latch on to another team at some point within the next week and a half before the preseason games begin.

This is the first time in a while that we have heard Marcus Gilchrist’s name be linked to any team. Marcus Gilchrist, 28, this past December sustained a torn patellar tendon in Week 14 which required surgery costing him the remainder of the 2016 season. During the 2017 NFL Draft, the Jets drafted Jamal Adams and Marcus Maye bolstering up their defensive backs core which rendered Gilchrist expendable, the Jets cut him on May 4th.

Upon joining the Houston Texans, Marcus Gilchrist still faces an uphill battle to make the Texans roster. Gilchrist will be battling with fellow defensive backs Treston Decoud, Lonnie Ballentine among others for a roster spot and as well as depth chart positioning.

During today’s practice, George Iloka had to be carted off the field with the knee injury and the Bengals dodged a big bullet with the x-rays came back with no ligament tears in his knee. The sprained knee will certainly hold him out of all the Bengals preseason games which begin next Friday vs. Tampa Bay. The missed time by Iloka will open up opportunities for 2017 6th round selection from Houston Brandon Wilson and veteran Cedric Thompson.

Los Angeles Chargers: Chargers working out Robert Griffin III on Tuesday | June 24th, 2017

This is the first time that Robert Griffin III‘s name is being linked to a team since he was let go by the Browns this past spring. The former 1st round pick has taken a massive step back in his career and has been a major concern as injuries continue to be riddled his career.

Michigan offensive coordinator Pep Hamilton has been working with Robert Griffin III this offseason and it sounds like he has improved on his throwing mechanics. In a tweet by Ian Rapoport, Pep Hamilton made comparisons of the offense that ran in Buffalo when Anthony Lynn was the offensive coordinator for the Buffalo Bills and how it was built well for Tyrod Taylor who plays similar to Robert Griffin III.

The Los Angeles Chargers currently have Kellen Clemens inked as their backup quarterback but could be battling for the backup job if Robert Griffin III does indeed sign a deal with the Chargers this week or as early on Tuesday.

Los Angeles Chargers: Chargers rookie Mike Williams in danger of missing rookie season due to possible back surgery | July 19th, 2017

Chargers wide receiver Mike Williams is in danger of missing out on his rookie season as his herniated back injury that has kept him out of minicamp is going to require surgery.

The injury of Mike Williams can come as a disappointment but not something to panic for in Los Angeles. The Chargers are well equipped with receivers for Philip Rivers heading into 2017 as they will get their premiere #1 Keenan Allen back from his ACL injury as well as Tyrell Williams, Travis Benjamin, Hunter Henry and Antonio Gates in company.

The Chargers really banked on Mike Williams being ready to go and being a big x-factor this season but it sounds like he will not be a factor of any kind in his rookie season. Mike Williams was drafted by the Chargers in the 7th round of April’s draft and many fans worldwide were shocked with the selection of Williams from the start. The Chargers will not likely be in the market of adding another receiver if Williams land’s on injured-reserve.

Anquan Boldin: Anquan Boldin has a meeting with an unknown NFL team next weekend | July 17th, 2017

After being a free agent all this time, Anquan Boldin is now generating some buzz and is scheduled to meet with an unknown team next weekend.

Anquan Boldin, 36, has said that he is willing to wait until training camp to sign with a contender and with camp scheduled to open up for some teams next week this could be his opportunity. At 36-years old and an out of the prime of his career, Anquan Boldin is performing at a high level in his career. In 2016, as a member of the Detroit Lions, Anquan Boldin caught 67 receptions for 584 receiving yards and 8 touchdowns as well as posting 63.64 % in the red zone last year.

Arizona Cardinals: Running back Kerwynn Williams leading for the backup role behind David Johnson? | July 17th, 2017

This has been the biggest story coming out of the career of Kerwynn Williams. Kerwynn Williams is a former 2013 7th round draft pick out Utah State by the Colts but has never escalated past being a part of a practice roster. For now, this will be Williams role to lose once camp opens up next week. Kerwynn Williams will be in a battle against Andre Ellington as possibly as well as Chris Johnson who is on the Cardinals radar to get re-signed.

Tennessee Titans second-year wide receiver Tajae Sharpe is looking being on the roster bubble once camp opens up. Titans head coach Mike Mularkey said in a media interview that Sharpe will have a “hard time” if he is not able to stay in shape. This offseason, Tajae Sharpe underwent surgery on his foot and it has kept him sidelined for a while. While Sharpe was recovering, the Titans bolstered up their receiving core with the additions of Corey Davis (NFL Draft) and Eric Decker via free agency. Tajae Sharpe is looking at battling for reps this camp as he will be battling with Harry Douglas, Rishard Matthews and Eric Weems. In his rookie campaign last season, Sharpe caught 41 receptions for 522 yards and 2 touchdowns while averaging impressive 12.2 yards per reception. If he sticks around with the Titans he will be destined for an average season in 2017.

According to Jeff Zrebiec of the Baltimore Sun, Danny Woodhead has been taking reps at receiver at Ravens camp. Danny Woodhead is no stranger to playing some sort of receiving role in his career as during his career with the Chargers he excelled in the Chargers passing game. Danny Woodhead’s best receiving year came to his last full season with the Chargers back in 2015 in which he caught 80 passes for 755 yards for 6 touchdowns while averaging 9.4 yards a catch. Of course, that is when he did not have his ACL injury but nonetheless, Danny Woodhead is speedy and dangerous in the passing game.

Los Angeles Chargers: Mike Williams to be held out the rest of the offseason program due to disc irritation | June 6th, 2017

Back injuries have been plaguing Mike Williams all throughout rookie minicamp and even into OTA’s. Earlier in camp, it was reported that Mike Williams is not in the starting role at receiver and that he will be competing with Travis Benjamin. This injury will surely push Mike Williams even farther back as his status for the start of training camp is still yet to be determined. Mike Williams has a lot of ground to cover once he returns to the team.

Denver Broncos: John Elway states that tight end Jeff Heuerman roster spot will not be guaranteed | May 31st, 2017

At this point, the Broncos tight end position is very crowded. The Broncos currently have Virgil Green, A.J. Derby, Jake Butt and possibly Gary Barnidge if the Broncos do indeed sign him. Since being drafted in the third round of the 2015 NFL Draft, Jeff Heuerman has been held back due to injuries. In 2016, Heuerman caught 9 passes for 141 receiving yards and 0 touchdowns. Heuerman has a lot of ground to pick up if he wants to be with the Broncos to start the 2017 season.

Buccaneers 2016 2nd round pick Roberto Aguayo had a very rocky rookie campaign and those struggles continue as the Buccaneers are in the midst of their OTA’s.

This offseason the Buccaneers brought in Nick Folk as he will be battling against Aguayo for the starting role and what it is sounding like he is in the lead for the starting role. The Tampa Bay Times reports that last week in open practice, Roberto Aguayo went 5-for-9 in field goal attempts as Nick Folk went a perfect 9-for-9.

At this point, I would say that Nick Folk is the Buccaneers starting kicker once training camp opens up. Roberto Aguayo has a lot of ground to pick up as he could be in a situation where he will be battling for a roster spot.

Kansas City Chiefs: Andy Reid giving Tyler Bray every chance to be the backup quarterback | May 27th, 2017

This offseason the Kansas City Chiefs drafted quarterback Patrick Mahomes II as the future of the team down the line. The Chiefs are not rushing Mahomes into the starting role but are willing to allow him to compete with Bray for the starting role once training camp opens up. Tyler Bray is entering the final year of his contract with Kansas City Chiefs this season.

A longtime offensive tackle, Josh LeRibeus is working a center to open up OTA’s.

The Saints are opening up camp without Max Unger as he is currently dealing with a foot injury. The Saints are testing the waters with some of their lineman and Josh LeRibeus is the guy they are transitioning. In an interview with the New Orleans Advocate, LeRibeus said he “loves center” and that “Definitely, in 2015, kind of came into my own there.” Josh LeRibeus at one point has played center but since coming to the NFL he has primarily been an offensive tackle. Being versatile at playing center and tackle really could lock a roster spot for him.

Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen was at full speed today during the Chargers camp today.

Keenan Allen was only limited to individual practices and it is looking like he will be able to go 100% once training camp opens up. Keenan Allen has been slowly working his way back after going down with an ACL tear in week one last season against the Chiefs.

New York Giants: Giants working Justin Pugh at offensive guard | May 8th, 2017

With the Giants OTA’s in full swing, it is being reported that the Giants are working Justin Pugh at offensive guard.

This offseason, the New York Giants added depth to this offensive line with the addition of D.J. Fluker and re-signing John Jerry. With the addition of D.J. Fluker who has experience playing both guard and tackle during his time with the Chargers they could look to place Fluker in at guard and move Pugh to the inside at guard.

In an interview with NJ.com, Justin Pugh said that “I don’t think anything is set in stone, but I think I’m at left guard right now. I’m not working anywhere else, But I know that if they need me to play tackle, I can play tackle. And I know if they ask our tackles to play guard, they can play guard. That’s the thing with the Giants’ offensive linemen”.

This is something to keep tabs once training camp opens up.

Miami Dolphins: Dolphins to work Jakeem Grant more as a receiver during camp | May 5th, 2017

Since joining the Miami Dolphins as an undrafted free agent last year, Jakeem Grant‘s role with the Dolphins has been on special teams as a kick returner. Jakeem Grant has a lot of speed and could be a dangerous target in the Dolphins offense if things pan out. Jakeem Grant will more than likely be a slot receiver if his role in Miami increases.

Cleveland Browns: Cody Kessler to open up training camp as Browns quarterback. | May 2nd, 2017

This was to be expected by the Browns. The Browns are not the biggest fan of Brock Osweiler on their roster and attempted to trade for draft picks before the NFL Draft but could not find any suitors for him. For now, Brock Osweiler remains with the Browns and will serve as the backup and behind him will be rookie quarterback DeShone Kizer and potential practice squad quarterback Kevin Hogan.